Socialize. Join social networks to witness [and partake] in the value of sharing and distribution of information. On a very basic level: conversation will open up doors for you. Here, I would like to focus on Twitter. I follow people that are related to new media and popular culture. Yesterday I mentioned delving deeper into a news culture. Enter Twitter. Follow the guys and gals that make it happen, not just the organization itself. Just search a contributors name on Google. Here’s an example query for one of my Twitter crushes: Tim Carmody The Verge Twitter Account. Twitter is a great resource to aggregate content as a news source specifically tailored to your needs.

Give Praise. This simply means to join the blogging conversation. Once you find your niche, start commenting. You do not need to be a kiss-ass but comments are gold for writers. Share your perspective and ask questions—just make sure it’s relevant. When posting comments be sure to provide an identity marker. Most blog platforms allow you to link your name to a website or social network account. A final note: if you haven’t started blogging, it’s a good idea to start.

Subscribe. After you have found your sweet spot, subscribe to your favorite material. It’s conveniently sent to your inbox so you don’t have to go looking for it each day or however often you browse sources. This also increases your exposure to a different medium in how people connect digitally. Again, Copyblogger has great info on this.

Network. Begin building your online presence with services like LinkedIn or Instagram. Focus on your brand when connecting with people. This does not mean promote yourself. This means connect with others, especially with mutual interest. Building a digital identity puts a “face” to your work, progress, and goals.

Help Others. This is a form of paying your dues. Building a portfolio of content featured on prominent websites and organizations in your industry is a huge plus. I am building my portfolio by guest posting and blogging (“free”) for larger organizations. These are [in a way] like freelance internships. And it shows you are savvy in establishing business contacts, communicating clearly, and you have the talent to be featured for an established business.

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These five methods seem like they are promoting others, and not your personal brand, but it is quite the opposite. Money isn’t the only currency available to promote yourself. Larry Stybel, writing for HBR, offers further insight in How to Get a Job Without Experience. Surrounding yourself with people who are successful and making it count is a reflection on you and your character. Please share your methods that have brought you both success and failure in the comments section. There’s room to grow from experience in both ends of the spectrum.

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Yesterday I posted an article, #MakeItCount: How You Can Change The Digital Landscape, which highlighted (1) participation, (2) workflow analysis, and (3) observation as key roles to changing digital culture, while promoting your brand. Remember: the focus here is development in digital. If you would like help researching a different field, please contact me.

I’ve assembled an ordered list of 5 communities and networks for you to begin your research and observation, all of which I use. I will have specific activities you can take to join the conversation tomorrow. Check back with us.

HBR Blog Network. I discussed the benefits of HBR Blogs on May 19th 2012. Why this network will help you succeed: personal development, strategy, insight from people who have been there.

Radian6. I don’t own a business but I am in the business of the self. Stay tuned with Radian6 for their Webinars, which focus on social media, digital, sales, marketing, and customer engagement. From Boring to Story: How to Make Your Content Rule is coming up on June 7th. (Click the link above for more information.) Why this service will help you succeed: strategy, hone in on your craft.

W3 Schools. If you plan on working in digital, especially blogging and editing, it’s a great idea to have a background in some coding. They offer tutorials that are straight-forward and information that is simple to digest. Why these tutorials will help you succeed: foundations in understanding how digital operates.

Wired | Mashable | Gizmodo | Tech Crunch If these were people, they would be a great golf foursome. Developing a regular news diet tailored to your interests is paramount when pursuing digital careers. These are my personal favorites. Find what yours are with Google. I will discuss how to get deeper into their culture later in the week. Why this information will help you succeed: strategy, keeping current with your industry, learning from the pros.

Copyblogger. These guys (and gals!) are the bomb! They offer tutorials in copywriting, content marketing, SEO copywriting, email marketing, keyword research, landing pages, and internet marketing. Many claim to be the Bible when it comes to these topics, with catchy slogans like The all-in-one to becoming a marketing guru! Just …. Don’t. Copyblogger doesn’t claim to be a Marketing Bible because they don’t need to create hype. Why this site will help you succeed: their content speaks for itself.

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(1) blog network, (2) industry service: webinars, (3) code tutorials, (4) stay current: develop a news diet, and (5) building skill sets. There are plenty of other great sources to explore by way of performing Google searches. Add your favorites to this list in the comment section below.